How do astronauts prepare for zero gravity before going to space?

Astronauts prepare for zero gravity by training in special environments that mimic weightlessness. One common method is the “Vomit Comet,” a plane that flies in a special path, creating short periods of weightlessness inside. They also practice underwater, because floating in a large pool feels similar to being in space. NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, for example, has a huge pool with full-size models of the space station. Working underwater helps astronauts learn how to move, use tools, and stay balanced without gravity. This training helps them get used to floating, so they can handle daily tasks in space more easily.